The sad rise in promflation with £700 dresses & flashy limos that force kids out of event – and how school's changing it
PROM can be one of the most important events in the school calendar for teenagers.
It's the perfect chance to mark the end of exams and finishing up school, and having one last celebration with friends before heading off to college, university or work after summer.
But along with the glitz and glamour of getting dressed up, prom season can put financial pressure on both teens and parents.
There are even fears that the cost of living crisis is leaving some pupils forced to miss out because they simply can't afford it.
Indeed, the total bill can quickly spiral out of control once you've added up outfits, shoes, hair, makeup and corsages on top of the ticket price.
Dresses off the rail can cost anything from £50 to £700, with custom-made frocks priced even higher.
To help make the event truly inclusive, a school in Scotland has launched a donation service to take the stress out of buying a suit or dress, with 300 up for grabs so far.
Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston, Ayrshire, has already seen teenagers sampling the gifted dresses.
Delighted with the one she found, 18-year-old Muirren Shearer told STV News: 'It's really helpful for anyone who can't afford to pay £500 for a dress, and they're all designer so no one would know you've got it for free.'
Teachers had feared some pupils would not attend if they couldn't afford a suitable outfit and hailed the scheme for making "dreams come true".
After witnessing schoolkids arrive in flashy limos, a horse and cart and even a helicopter, a bus has also been arranged to ensure everyone arrives in the same fashion.
Auchenharvie Academy's Deputy Head Linda Davis said: 'This year everyone is travelling to the prom by the same method of transport, because it puts everyone on a level playing field.
'It's very important that all children are made to feel special, and that's why we do what we do.'
An Ayrshire community group is also helping out with the scheme by reaching out to local businesses and volunteers to cover extra touches including makeup and nails free of charge.
Saltcoats Link Up's Carol Boyd said: 'People have a lot of dresses, whether it's their own prom dress, wedding dress or special occasion dress… it sits in the wardrobe.
'Through their kindness, care and generosity we're able to support young people to get access to dresses, and make memories that will last forever.'
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